Aerodynamic Properties of Components of Forage for Hay Production

Abstract. Forages and herbs are composed of leaves and stems that have different drying times, and this complicates the management of product quality. Since their separation during drying could be made by an air stream, an evaluation of some aerodynamic properties of the components in relation to moisture content was made. Terminal velocity, unit density, and projected area of the components of white clover and ryegrass were tested. A test stand was used to determine terminal velocity, immersion was used for the unit density, and photography was used for the projected area. Terminal velocity was in the range 1.0 to 2.0 for clover leaves and 2.0 to 4.0 for clover stems and ryegrass, and Reynolds number was in the range 1000 to 5000 for clover leaves and 5000 to 35,000 for clover stems and ryegrass. The results showed better separation of components at high moisture contents.